Rain Garden Swale

A shallow, planted ditch that captures runoff, recharges groundwater, and turns a soggy problem spot into a pollinator oasis.

Estimated cost

$30 – $100

Estimated time

2 – 4 hours

Lifespan

Permanent landscape feature

Soil needed

Native soil amended with compost

Weight empty

N/A

Weight full

N/A

Best for

Slowing runoff, filtering roof or driveway water, and growing moisture-loving plants

Placement

Dig on a gentle slope at least 10 feet from foundations. Direct a downspout or natural flow into the upper end.

Boards to Buy

Boards to Buy	Quantity	What You Use Them For
Shredded hardwood mulch	3–5 bags	Top dressing
Rain garden plants	12–20	Wet-to-dry zone plantings
River stone	1/4 cubic yard	Inflow pad to prevent erosion
Compost	1–2 cubic ft	Soil amendment

1Observe where water naturally flows and pools during a heavy rain.
2Mark a shallow bowl shape 6–8 inches deep at the lowest point.
3Remove sod and loosen soil, mixing in compost.
4Create a flat bottom with gently sloping sides.
5Place river stone where water enters to slow the flow.
6Plant moisture lovers in the bottom and drought-tolerant species on the edges.
7Mulch 2–3 inches deep, keeping mulch away from plant stems.
8Direct a downspout or swale into the garden and watch it work in the next rain.

Mulch with shredded bark. Weed regularly the first two years. Add new plants if erosion exposes soil.

See how other gardeners built their rain garden swale — and share up to 3 photos of yours.

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